Expedition Details
On a voyage through Scotland's famed lochs and inland waterways aboard the M.V. Lord of the Glens, experience mystical landscapes dotted with medieval castles and ancient churches. Cruise Loch Ness; descend through the intricate lock system of Neptune's Staircase; and stroll serene hills and harbor villages on the picturesque islands of Mull, Iona, Eigg, and Skye.
Trip Highlights
- Kayak on Loch Ness and wander through the colorful seaside town of Tobermory.
- Stroll across the battlefields at Culloden where “Bonnie” Prince Charlie was dramatically defeated.
- Hike through stunning scenery on the Isle of Skye, and learn about the tiny community on the remote island of Eigg.
- On the August expeditions, add the Edinburgh extension to attend the spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Itinerary - 9 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Inverness, Scotland
Depart on an overnight flight to Inverness, arriving the next morning. Board the Lord of the Glens to the strains of a highland piper and settle into your cabin—your home for the next seven nights. Gather for a reception and dinner on board while docked in Inverness.
(D)
Day 3 — Culloden/Clava Cairns/Loch Ness
After a morning walk, visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where "Bonnie" Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. See the pre-historic standing stones and passage tombs of Clava Cairns. This afternoon, set sail on the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th century to create a route between western and eastern Scotland. Enter Loch Ness, cruise past the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and learn about the legendary monster said to inhabit the loch. Moor this afternoon at Fort Augustus and set out on a kayak excursion or a hike. Enjoy a whiskey tasting aboard the Lord of the Glens this evening.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Laggan Locks/Banavie/Glenfinnan
Ascend an impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus. Glide down the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue; or hike or bike along the towpath and rejoin the ship at the first lock. Sail into Loch Lochy and follow the canal to the town of Banavie, set in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain's highest mountain. Take the West Highland Railway over a viaduct to the village of Glenfinnan, nestled within the mountains, and enjoy an afternoon walk. Return to the ship and welcome local musicians on board for a lively evening of music and song.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 — Loch Linnhe/Isle of Mull/Iona
Today, the Lord of the Glens descends Neptune's Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks. Continue to the Inner Hebrides and dock at Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Cross to Iona by ferry for an afternoon exploring this picturesque island. Visit the medieval abbey ruins and the rebuilt abbey church, and learn about the ecumenical movement based there. Stroll through St. Oran's Chapel and the royal graveyard where generations of Scottish kings are buried, and take a walk along the country lanes of Iona. After dinner, staff from the Wings Over Mull Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre visit us aboard the ship.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — Duart Castle/Tobermory
In the morning, visit stunning Duart Castle, set dramatically on a bluff jutting into the Sound of Mull. Explore the keep and dungeon of this fortress before sailing to the colorful town of Tobermory. Stroll Tobermory's lively quayside on your own this afternoon.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 — Eigg/Isle of Skye/Inverie
Sail north to tiny Eigg this morning, catching glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. At Eigg you can get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live in this isolated community. Look for wildlife including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds. Alternatively, we may visit the Isle of Rum, renowned for spectacular Kinloch Castle. This afternoon, explore the Isle of Skye. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan Donald, who once ruled the west coast of Scotland, and walk through the woodlands in Armadale. Later, sail to Inverie, an isolated town inaccessible by road.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — Isle of Skye
Enjoy a full day to explore the Isle of Skye. Take a guided walk in the Cuillin Hills (weather permitting) amid some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Or explore the charming waterside town of Portree. Celebrate your voyage at a festive farewell dinner on board.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Kyle of Lochalsh/Inverness/U.S.
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh and drive through the Highlands to Inverness. Then transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
(B)
Add our 3-day extension to Edinburgh to get an intimate look at this beautiful, dramatic city. On the June and July departures, enjoy a fine dinner with great views of Edinburgh at the Forth Floor Restaurant, or, on the August departures, experience the pageantry of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacle of massed pipe and drum bands, Highland dancers, and fiddlers.
Optional Extensions
- Edinburgh - Pre-Trip Extension, 3 Days
- Orkney Islands - Post-Trip Extension, 6 Days
Related Trip
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. The expert featured below will be part of the expedition team on the dates noted.
Iris Barry
Iris Barry is a resident of Fife, Scotland, and a historian and archaeologist by profession. She has a Master's from the University of Cambridge in archaeology and anthropology, where her special field was the Celtic and Germanic Dark Ages of Britain. Studying for her Doctorate at the Institute of Archaeology, University of London, her field work took her to the southern Andes of Ecuador and to the upper Amazon. Since then she has continued to travel the world as an archaeologist and ethnographer, and has established a career in tourism. Since 1985 Iris has not only led specialist tours in Great Britain, but also designed and delivered training courses for tourist guide lecturers in many developing countries including Mongolia, Ukraine and Brunei. She has a passion for Scotland, and is always delighted to share her knowledge of Scotland's past, present and future.
Iris will join the following departures:
Aug 08 - 16, 2010 • Aug 15 - 23, 2010Jun 10 - 18, 2011 • Jun 17 - 25, 2011
Aug 12 - 20, 2011 • More »
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between New York and Inverness is $1,040 (subject to change).
